National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries

The jungles of Sri Lanka abound in a variety of wildlife,which is
surprising for an island of its size in the tropics.From ancient days the
elephants and peacock from the Sri Lankan jungles were prize exports to the
Kingdoms of East and West.But apart from these well known examples of the fauna,
a visit to the Sri Lankan jungles is to enter a whole new world where nature has
largely stayed still.There are four majour national parks.Of
these the best known is Ruhunu National Park,at Yala,in the
deep South of the island.The other well known national park,at
Wilpattu,is at present closed due to the prevailing conditions
in the North of the island.There are also two other national parks at
Inginiyagala and Udawalawe.

Sri Lanka has a rich and
exotic variety of wildlife and a long tradition of conservation rooted in its
2,230 year old Buddhist civilisation. The following are the most important
sanctuaries in terms of attractions, accessibility and availability of
facilities.

Animal
Sanctuaries

The animals to be seen in Sri Lanka's national parks include elephant,
leopard, sloth bear, sambhur, deer and monkeys, wild buffalo, wild boar
(pig), porcupine, ant-eater, civet cat, jackal, mongoose, loris (unique to
sri Lanka) several varieties of lizards, squirrels, reptiles and
amphibians. Each park however has its own specialities.

Yala (Ruhuna)
National Park

While the elephant is undoubtedly the best known attraction at Yala,Seen in
small and large herds,what is the most appealing here is the overall mood of the
undisturbed jungle.Large herds of spoted Deer are seen all over the Park,as are
many Sambhur,and for those who are sharp eyed to observe,many of the endemoc
Muntjac or Barking Deer.Monkeys-the pinkish Rhesus and the grey faced Langur
Monkey,live and play on the tree-tops and the ground below. Wild Buffalo and
Wild Boar could give you a good surprise and a great picture,while sight of a
leopard sunning itself or drinking at a water hole could be a memorable
experience,As dusk gathers,there is every chance of seeing the Ceylon Sloth Bear
scampering with its young on it back.the progress of your vehicle could be held
up by a Python across the track,and near the many waterholes will bee found
whole colonies of Crocodiles.

The Peacock is easily the most famous of the birds at Yala.The mating dance
of the male,with its colourful plumes fully spread,is a photographer's
delight.While the Peacock has its fame,there are also many other species which
attract those who are interested in bird life,and add to the mood and feel of
nature.The Painted stork,many varities of heron,the poonbill,the bee-eater,many
colourful parrots and parakeets,the hornbill,kingfisher and wood-pecker and
hoopoe are all birds that can be seen by the observant in the jungles of Sri
Lanka. There is accomodation in the national parks of Sri Lanka in
special bungalows maintained by the Department of Wild Life
Conservation.Dry rations are taken by the visitors and they are made
for you by caretakers who are expert at turning quick,tasty meals.Travel inside
the parks only by a vhicle.Four- wheel drive is recomended.Entry to the parks is
by specialpermit.

Situated 309 km. south of Colombo, Yala is approximately 1,259 sq.km.
in extent and is located in the south eastern corner of the island. Its
northern boundaries border on the Lahugala Elephant Sanctuary and it has
the added bonus of a scenic ocean frontage. The terrain is varied flat
plains alternating with rocky outcrops. The vegetation ranges from open
parkland to dense jungle. Water holes, small lakes, lagoons and streams
provide water for the animals and birds. The speciality here is the large
numbers of elephants.

Wilpattu National
Park

Situated 176 km. north of Colombo, Wilpattu is approximately 1,908
sq.km. in extent. It has a dense jungle cover which makes it a more
exciting park where animals have to be tracked. There are numerous
delightful little lakes - known as villus - and the leopard and sloth bear
are the speciality rather than elephants.

Gal Oya National
Park

Situated at Inginiyagala, the Gal Oya National Park is 314 km. from
Colombo and is most renowned for its elephant
population.

Uda Walawe National ParkSituated 170 km. South East of Colombo the
Uda Walawe National Park is approximately 30,821 hectares in extent. This Park
which lies within the Ratnapura and Monaragala Districts acts as the catchment
to the Uda Walawe Reservoir and is located in the Dry Zone. This Park comprises
grasslands and thorn scrubs and many valuable species of trees are found within
it. Large herds of Elephants and Deer species such as spotted Deer, Sambhur,
Barking deer and Langur, Wild Boar, Water Buffalo, Jackal are some of the
prominent wild animals found in this Park and a variety of avifauna is seen.

Maduru Oya National
ParkThe Maduru Oya National Park is located in the Dry Zone and is 300
km. away from Colombo and 58,849 hectares in extent. A wide variety of wildlife
including some endemic birds species and reptiles are found here. Maduru Oya is
rich in ancient ruins found in different places and its southern parts provide
veddhas, indigenous people their living environment. Endemic purple monkey is
among the important animal species that can be seen in addition to Sambhur, a
member of the cat family etc. There are some endemic avifauna also found within
this Park.

Wasgamuwa National Park

Situated approximately 200 km. away from Colombo, the Wasgamuwa
National Park lies within the Polonnaruwa and Matale Districts and have
the Mahaweli river and Amban river as its eastern and western boundaries.
Tropical intermediate dry mixed evergreen forest predominates its
environment.

Horton Plains
National Park

The Horton Plains National Park is the only National Park situated in
the Hill Country and falls within the Nuwara Eliya district and is 200 km.
away from Colombo. Panoramic scenic beauty of the Hill Country could be
witnessed within the Park. The famous `Worlds End' is a major attraction
within the Park. Endemic slender loris and endemic purple monkey are among
the important animal species that could be seen in addition to sambhur, a
member of the cat family etc. There are some endemic avifauna also found
within this Park.

Bundala National Park
Bundala National Park is the latest addition to the National Parks and
is situated 260 km. away from Colombo. All species of waterbirds resident in the
country and the migrant birds inhabit this Park.

Bird
Sanctuaries

The sanctuaries at Kumana 312 km. from Colombo, Wirawila 261 km.
Bundala 259 km. and Kalametiya 224 km. are all lagoon locations in Sri
Lanka's extreme south eastern coast. The Giant's Tank in the north western
corner of the island is a huge ancient irrigation reservoir of 3,800
hectares. The coastal sanctuaries are exotically picturesque with
combinations of lagoon, swamp, river, jungle, lake and plain. Large flocks
can be found here of both resident and migrant aquatic birds. The highland
sanctuaries at Udawattakele 118 km. from Colombo and the Peak Wilderness
141 km. are quieter but equally picturesque with wooded hills and secluded
streams and have the added bonus of rare flora such as our unique Wesak
Orchid as well as numerous species of rare butterflies. The Udawattakele
Sanctuary is in the suburbs of Kandy, our picturesque and fascinating hill
capital. The Peak Wilderness is situated on the slopes of Adam's Peak (Sri
Pada), Sri Lanka's sacred mountain.

National
Zoological Gardens

Situated 11 km. from the Fort, the Zoo has a fine collection of
animals, birds, reptiles and fish from all over the world. The aquarium is
the only one of its kind in Asia and displays over 500 varieties of
aquatic life. Also walk in through Aviary, Reptilium, Butterfly Park.
There are daily elephant performance at 5.15 p.m. Open daily between 8.00
a.m. and 6.00 p.m. Entrance fees : Rs 90/- per adult and Rs.45/- per
child.

Elephant Orphanage

An orphanage for elephants has been set up by the department of
National Zoological Gardens, at Pinnawela, 90 km. from Colombo. It was
established in 1975 and several animals brought here at the inception are
now mature enough for breeding, which is the ultimate aim of the
institution. Entrance fees : Rs.75 per adult and Rs.40 per child.

Some tips and helpful notes for the tourist visiting the wild life parks and
sanctuaries in Sri Lanka....

You are not permited to alight from your vehicle within the park,except at
specially marked locations.Camping is permitted at special camping sites,with
prior permission.You must always be accompanied by a tracker provided by the
park authorities.Please refrain from disturbing the peace of the wild
with the use of radios,casette and CD players or loud music of your
own.And,as in any other place,but more so in the wild,do not leave any
litter behind.Park Bungalows Visitors to National Parks could find accomodation
in Park Bungalows maintained by the Wil Life Conservation.All bungalows have
basic amenities;water on tap, refrigerators, toilet, cutlery, crockery and
presure lamps.Services of Bungalow Keeper and Assistant provided.

Reservations:Minimum of five persons (children under 12 years at half
rate at US$ 10/- per person per day.Bookings only through Department of
Wild Life Conservation,493,T.B. Jaya Mawatha,Colomo 10,Tel- 094-691321 ,
688261/2. Hints to those who rent park bungalows-Take your dry rations and
linon.Take plenty of fresh fruit-pineapple,papayas,banana,mango
etc.Vegetables,some drinking water,coke,soda and other carbonated
drinks,liquor,suger,eggs,bread,bacon,frozen or roast meat.Please note that
once you are in the park you will have to travel several miles outside the
park to reach the nearest town,and there too all your needs may not be
found.Take a stock of fuel for your vehicle.

But just make sure nothing is found wanting at the other end.If you
are touring on your own make sure to obtain all provisions from Colombo,or
at least Galle or Matara (if travelling on the Southern route);Haputale or
Bandarawela (if coming through the hills) and Ratnapura (if comming from
the gem country).Those visiting Wilpattu should obtain supplies from
Kurunegala,Puttalam or Anurdapura.Take plenty of Photographic films with
you. All tourist who visit the National Park are required to pay a park
fee and a vehicle fee.This applies to those who rent park bungalows as
well.Park fees: Rs. 100/- per prson per day.Vehicle fees: Rs. 10/- per
jeep (four-wheel drive vehicle. Entry to Ruhunu National Park-Yala,is
restricted to 30 vehicles at any given time. Use of a four-wheel drive
vehicles is recommended.

Your bungalow cook is used to the preperation of both Western and
Eastern five star hotel. Casual VisitorsCould avail themselves of
conducted tour leaving Yala Park Office and Wilpattu Park Office at 6 a.m
& 3 p.m.for a 2-1/2 hour tour of either.The Park entry fee is Rs.50/-
per paxJeep hire for a pax of 5 is Rs.625/- (not including park fees).Seat
in a mini coach at yala is Rs.140/- and Wilpattu Rs.150/- (inclusive of
park fee).